Is it normal for cats to lose their fur?
Many adult cats also experience preauricular alopecia — thinning of fur on the skin strip between the ears and the eyes, which is considered normal in cats, Dr. Hayworth says. What about acquired alopecia in cats?
What kind of hair loss does a Siamese cat have?
Another type of normal hair loss is pinnal alopecia – hair loss on the outside of the ear pinnae — which is common in Siamese cats but usually resolves on its own.
When do kittens start to lose their hair?
Kittens born with congenital hypotrichosis possess little to no hair. Any signs of hair are lost by the time the kitten reaches the age of four months. When a cat produces or comes into contact with an increase of corticosteroids, they may experience a thinning of the skin, as well as hair loss. More on Cushing’s Disease.
What to do if your cat is losing hair?
The veterinarian will diagnose the underlying condition, Dr. Bateman says. With a cat losing hair, will that hair grow back?
Cats naturally shed some of their fur on an ongoing basis, as part of the normal cellular renewal process and to ensure that their coat is appropriate for the changing seasons. This is perfectly normal and no cause for concern.
What does it mean when a cat loses its hair?
Read on to learn more about hair loss in cats. Alopecia is the term used to refer to the loss of the hair or fur in an animal (or person) and can occur due to a variety of different reasons.
What to do if your cat’s fur is bald?
If you notice that your cat’s fur is actually bald in places, is particularly thin, is accompanied by excessive dandruff, or appears to be causing irritation or soreness, your cat may have a problem that you will need to address.
Can a flea infestation cause hair loss in cats?
A severe flea infestation can easily lead to hair loss in cats, as the saliva in the flea bites are irritants than can cause inflammation of the skin and subsequent hair loss. Check that your cat (and your home) is not rife with fleas as your first course of action.
What does it mean when cats hair comes off in patches?
You can distinguish natural moulting as hair coming off the whole body in an even fashion. When a cat’s hair comes off in patches, especially if it results in a bald spot, then this is not normal shedding. Rather than moulting, this is a condition known as alopecia or, simply, hair loss.
What can I do about my cat’s patchy hair loss?
Flea-based alopecia is particularly evident as patchy hair loss on the cat’s hindquarters. Rid your cat of fleas using a cycle of flea shampoos and treatments. You may also treat the itching and hair loss with corticosteroids or antihistamines. Prevent future flea infestations by applying a regular monthly spot-on treatment.
How can I tell if my cat has lost fur?
In some cases, you may find missing fur on certain parts of your cat’s body. Scratches and bloody sports are some of the things that you can also see. In this regard, you need to observe how your cat interacts with other animals around. This will help you notice any odd behavior or fights that may lead to fur loss.
What are the signs of hair loss in cats?
Signs include partial or total hair loss. The skin surrounding the area of hair loss can appear normal or it can have redness, bumps, scabs, and skin loss. Alopecia may appear in a symmetrical form, or it can be random on the cat’s skin.
